No on Proposition 8: Anybody Should Have the Right of Marriage in California?by Rich Deem

Introduction

"Anybody should have the right to marry" is the assertion of
the latest television ads by those opposed to Proposition 8. In fact, the
official No On Proposition 8 website's slogan is "Don't Eliminate Marriage
For Anyone" and "It's wrong to treat people differently under the
law." Although these
idea sound reasonable on the surface, have you really thought what are
the implications of suddenly declaring marriage a "right" for all
people?

Marriage is not a right!

Marriage had never been a
right until declared to be so by four activist California Supreme Court
judges earlier this year. The implications of declaring marriage a right
of all people has far-reaching consequences on the future of law and
morality in the state of California, along with the rest of the United
States. Even now, numerous laws exist in California that restrict the ability of certain people to enter
into a marriage contract. First, marriage is only allowed between adults,
not minors.
Second, marriage is only allowed between two individuals. Multiple partner
marriages (polygamy and polyandry) are not legal. Third, marriage is not allowed between closely
related individuals (brothers, sisters, and first cousins). If marriage is
declared a fundamental right of all individuals, then all restrictions to
marriage would be declared unconstitutional, opening the doors to polygamy,
polyandry, incest, and child marriage. The state of California ha already
declared that it is right to treat some people differently under
the law. Marriage is not a legal free-for-all, but was designed to
encourage one man and one woman to stay together for the purpose of
producing and raising children.

Denying fundamental rights is wrong!

Under California state law, any two individuals are allowed to form a
domestic partnership, which grants those individuals all the legal rights of
married individuals (Family Code 297.5). So, proposition 8 does not deny the
legal rights of any individual.

Conclusion

If you believe that marriage should be allowed for anybody, then you
should vote no on Proposition 8. However, if marriage is declared a right
for all individuals then any laws that restrict that right will be declared
unconstitutional, requiring that polygamy, polyandry and incestuous
marriage be made legal. If Proposition 8 fails, mark my words, that within 3
years, this California Supreme Court will legalize multiple partner
marriage and incestuous marriage in the state of California. Child marriage will not be too many years
down the road. Vote YES on Proposition 8.